Streaming vs Offline
Use this page when you want to decide whether to rely on a live connection, save maps on your device, or use a mix of both.
The short version
- Streaming means OMN4 fetches map data as you view it.
- Offline means the map data is already saved on your device.
You can use both in the same app, but they solve different problems.
When streaming is useful
Streaming is useful when:
- you have a connection
- you want to save device space
- you are exploring areas you have not downloaded in advance
OMN4 can fetch map detail as needed while you move around the map.
When offline maps are useful
Offline maps are useful when:
- you expect poor signal or no signal
- you want predictable coverage before a trip
- you do not want to rely on live data while you are out
To make a map available offline, save it through Map Management.
What happens if a map is not downloaded
If a map is not already on your device:
- OMN4 can use streamed map data if streaming is allowed
- if streaming is blocked or unavailable, some detail may not load until you reconnect or download the map first
Downloaded maps remove that dependency for the areas you have saved.
Streamed cache is not the same as a planned offline download
OMN4 can keep some previously viewed streamed data in Streamed Maps (Cache).
That can help when you return to recently viewed places, but it is not the same as deliberately downloading an area for offline use.
If you need dependable offline coverage, use Map Management and save the area you want in advance.
Data settings on mobile
On iPhone and Android, Settings > Data gives separate controls for:
- Map Streaming
- Map Download
Each can be set to:
- Disabled
- WiFi Only
- WiFi and Cellular
This means you can allow one and restrict the other.
For example, you might allow map streaming on cellular but keep large downloads on WiFi only.
What OMN4 does when data settings block access
If Map Streaming is blocked by your data setting, OMN4 can show a warning on the map.
If Map Download is set to WiFi Only, queued downloads can wait until WiFi is available, and Map Management can show Waiting for WiFi... while work is pending.
If either setting is Disabled, OMN4 will not use that path until you change the setting again.
Desktop and mobile
The Settings > Data controls are mainly relevant on iPhone and Android.
On desktop platforms, OMN4 does not use the same mobile connectivity gating in normal use.
Which should you choose?
Choose streaming when:
- you are online
- you want to keep storage use lower
- you are browsing rather than preparing for a trip
Choose offline when:
- the trip matters more than the connection
- you want confidence before you leave
- you know which area you need
Many people use both: stream while planning, then download the final area before going out.